Chapter Text
The Kingdom of the Hinokami is threatened by a powerful force of rebellion.
The war between the two sides has been going on for centuries. A victor has yet to emerge.
None seemed to appear triumphant even when hundreds of years have passed.
The rebellion, also known as the Demons of the Night, is led by a powerful man named Muzan Kibutsuji. Under him, twelve strong commanders led their strong army with an iron fist. They aim to destroy the monarchy.
The second-in-command, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, is a wise and important figure in the kingdom, but the mighty king is the one to lead and take command of his soldiers. The king is a majestic man, and King Yoriichi Tsugikuni is a name not to be forgotten.
The war continues to rage on. Not one side is willing to give up.
The kingdom fights to end the rebellion that disrupts the peace, however, the power of their foes is not to be underestimated as their thirst for destruction against the monarchy is far greater than any loss.
~~~
Gone is the feeling of joy and excitement. It had remained non-existent for the past few years already.
He didn’t want to play anymore. He wanted this to stop.
That’s what Michikatsu was praying for. However, not all things could happen the way he wanted to.
He had reached his limits, but even then he had to keep running until his legs gave up. Yet in such a dark place filled with nothing but tall trees, thick bushes, giant rocks, and endless noise of small creatures hiding around, it proved difficult for him to navigate his way through this vast land that he thoroughly loathed.
His small legs are burning already. He did not know how long he was running. His undeveloped lungs could no longer handle it, but he keeps running and running with no sense of direction. The goal is to get away as far as he can. A goal that he intends to fulfill even when he runs out of options. It was the sole purpose of this game.
Nevertheless, this game is horrendously ridiculous.
Michikatsu hates playing hide and seek with his brother, knowing full well that he’d fail each time.
Because it’s scary. It’s unfair.
He just wants it to stop.
“I’m coming for you, brother~”
His older brother’s voice echoed through the vast forest as he sang, sending chills down Michikatsu’s spine as he whimpered in pure panic. The youthful voice resounded through the forest which means he couldn’t pinpoint the whereabouts of his brother.
‘He sounded so close,’ Michikatsu’s eyes traveled everywhere, already growing paranoid over the littlest of movements in his peripheral view. Multiple movements caught the corner of his eyes and he couldn’t help but jump slightly, dreading the moment his brother would find him any moment now even as he runs.
Michikatsu is completely terrified. Unable to stop the tears from flowing down his cheeks, unable to control his breathing due to apprehension. He is exhausted from running too long that he couldn’t help but let out a weak sob.
“Don’t run from me. Isn’t this supposed to be hide and seek?”
Michikatsu did not care about these rules. His legs kept pumping force and his small frame kept dodging and jumping over fallen branches and rocks blocking his path. He felt like he was being chased as if he was the prey, hunted down by an unrelenting predator that is seeking nonstop.
“You’re cheating, Michikatsu. Don’t be like that. Why must you play so unfairly?”
It’s because hiding will never work. In a game like this with his brother, the rules will never work.
Michikatsu would be found too early if he stays in one spot and remain hidden. Running gives him a better chance to win since he could escape. He could go farther and farther away without being seen in the line of sight. It’s like his older brother could scent him from afar no matter how well he hides. All movements are calculated, precise, and quite sharp when he attempts to find a perfect way to hide. Yet at the end of the day, all efforts are fruitless in the face of an innately prodigious boy.
Suddenly, all the hairs on his skin stood up. A familiar presence felt very close. Michikatsu could hear his brother sighing in defeat.
“I don’t want to play anymore.”
In an instant, his blood runs cold.
The peaceful environment changed the moment Yoriichi’s voice died down. The once dark sky turned bright red. The clouds are replaced with smoke. Flames engulfed the forest in a blink of an eye, surrounding him, heating him. The sight made his breath hitch, and Michikatsu stopped moving as he watched everything burn all around him. His heart pounded even when the flames roared. He circled, eyes wide as he observed with great apprehension of his surroundings caught in the scorching fire.
Immediately, panic settled in without mercy and he frantically searched everywhere to find an escape.
He turned and saw a young boy.
Despite being surrounded by a wall of flames, Yoriichi was wearing a gleeful expression with a small and kind smile. His feet were bare and his clothes unmarred from dirt. Those soft maroon eyes reflected on him, and once again, Michikatsu is disgusted at such horrendous sight.
Everything about Yoriichi repulsed him to the end, and Michikatsu desired that he could wipe that smile off his brother’s face. Even as Yoriichi stood there, barely even a teenager, Michikatsu could sense a powerful aura coming from him.
“Caught you~”
‘What?’ Michikatsu’s shoulders were locked, completely tensed, and felt something encasing him in place. In a sudden fright, he looked down only to see thick chains wrapping around his smaller frame. It snaked his entire body, forcing him to remain immobile. Michikatsu immediately tried to set himself free, struggling to move his arms and legs, and grunting when it was difficult to do so. He glanced around, hoping to see a solution, but the chains appeared as if they came out of the ground.
With his flailing about going nowhere, Michikatsu could do nothing but shake in terror, realizing his demise with hopelessness.
Michikatsu glanced back at his older brother, to beseech a reason behind this… Yet the sight before him was baffling. Yoriichi’s appearance had changed.
No longer does he bear the physique of a child, and instead, there he stands looking older. His frame is now tall and intimidating. The clothing he wore is replaced with a cleaner and proper attire that screamed a higher-class sort. Pristine, distinct silver and gold designs plastered on his form, and fine garms that are certainly beyond normalcy, looking much more like a man who has noble blood.
But what caught Michikatsu’s eye the most was an ornament that was donned comfortably on his older brother’s head.
A crown.
His calm baritone voice resonated as the flickering flames surrounded them and engulfed them whole. “It’s time to go home, Michikatsu.”
He watches as the adult reaches his hand out and Michikatsu was helpless when the fire burned and burned till it reached him as he screamed.
Heat disturbed him.
Michikatsu opened his eyes. Immediately, the unwelcome light greeted him. He could feel himself sweating as he groaned out loud.
Suddenly, pain embraced him the moment he moved his body. He ignored the stinging pain and groggily sat up, somehow distantly remembering feeling overwhelmingly hot as if his surroundings were burning. As if his body was scorched in the sweltering heat. Michikatsu touched his bandaged head, knowing the fact that he had a nightmare again but unable to remember what it was.
The door creaked open and Michikatsu looked up to see a person carrying a tray who then paused at the sight of his awakened form. He made eye contact with Akaza in three full seconds. At last, it didn’t take long for the other person to snap out of himself. Akaza sighed in relief and shut the door behind him. “Finally, the first commander is awake.”
Still completely exhausted, Michikatsu only grumbled in response and shifted as he continued touching his throbbing head. “Did something happen while I was out cold?”
The man on the other side was quick to grant him an answer. “Well, you know you got your head hit pretty hard. You’ve been asleep for four days because of that.”
“Four days!?” Michikatsu couldn’t believe that. “For a mere strike in the head?”
Akaza scoffs as he approaches the bed nonchalantly. “I wouldn’t call it ‘mere’. You should be lucky that we quickly pulled you out before they could do something much worse to you.” He proceeds to place the tray filled with appetizing food on a nearby table. “Your battle against Himejima carried out for far too long that enemy reinforcement came in. Once they arrived, Shinazugawa appeared out of nowhere and managed to land a hit on you. We had to get you out immediately. Do you remember that?”
Michikatsu took a short moment to process the information, trying to rack his mushy brain to recall just what happened a few days prior. “Damn it. Yeah, I do.” He declared with a frustrated sigh. “If Shinazugawa hadn’t come in, I would’ve stood a chance against Himejima.”
Akaza had to pause on that and hummed thoughtfully. “Well, I wouldn’t know. I haven’t really fought the guy, and I was not always around to see you fight either. So, I cannot make any sort of judgment.”
“They’re complete monsters, that’s what you should know.” Michikatsu supplied. “They are easy to take on, but in my defense, they had to jump at me out of nowhere, taking me by surprise.”
This earned Akaza a look of wonder, and a glimpse of amusement entered his face before he quickly erased it. “They caught you off guard? Why, you’re not the type of guy to be caught off guard in a battle in the first place.”
Michikatsu fought the urge to roll his eyes, a tinge of annoyance flared within him. “You cannot blame me. The mission was simple enough. To carry supplies back to our base. I did not expect that they had to send in the damn pillars for ambush over such a fickle thing.”
“I guess you’re right,” Akaza shrugged, a concerned look on his face. “To think that they had indeed used the pillars over such a small mission is surprising enough detail, but with that being said, we should expect that more of this situation might come in the future. This battle is a lesson in dire need to be learned. We must be careful from now on if such circumstance befalls us again.”
Michikatsu hummed in agreement, holding an aggravated expression that seemed to be stuck ever since he woke up. He still felt angry over himself for allowing his guard down while operating the simplest of missions ever given to him. He should’ve known better that many unexpected things would happen at any time, beyond his control or not, no matter the situation.
‘The next time I see those two, I would enjoy splitting their heads from their body.’
“Well, even then, be glad you’re alive. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be here in this bed.”
At that, Michikatsu looks at him in consideration before eyeing his scarred hands and his marred arms from multiple battles he had participated in. He earned a lot of unpleasant wounds as the years goes by. Some of which almost had him incapable of movement. Injuring him to the point he couldn’t even flex his fingers when he attempted to hold something during those times. He feared that one day, he would be deemed incapacitated if they show no mercy. However, they prevent that from happening. So, he was glad he is only injured in a way that will be healed in time.
His opponents would do anything to cause pain. To wound and harm his body.
But it was never wounds that inflicted on him to cause death. Anything but death.
And he knows the reason why he can never stray close to dying. He wasn’t allowed to in the first place.
“I don’t think I will die by their hands anyway. They would never let me.”
In the corner of his eye, Akaza bears a bewildered look once he heard the statement then slowly, almost delicately, made himself sit on the corner of the bed as if to show that he is open to hearing more. “What do you mean?”
In resignation, Michikatsu decided ultimately to share his thoughts of his previous battles whenever he comes across life-threatening situations. After all, it was happening too frequently. Many of their team were quite surprised that he hasn’t died yet when they observed that he had a lot of opportunity to face death itself during his battles against their enemies. “You loathe the prospect of weakness, Akaza, but I hope you aren’t surprised if I said that I wasn’t strong enough to hold them off.” Michikatsu started, now glancing up at the man with furrowed brows who was looking at him as if he had grown to heads
“With my ranking, you all perceive me as a… dare I say… a one-man army, capable of fighting a whole battalion alone without the assistance of others,” Michikatsu uttered with a frown marring his face. “That is all because I live to tell the tale whenever I somehow survived an impossible mission. The number of times I came out of a battlefield where no one is likely to survive is to be praised, which many of you did so. I fought against too many pillars, but I live in the end. It’s almost inexcusable. Impossible, but somehow, I was alive in such a disastrous situation I have put myself in too many times. This, of course, led many of our allies, including you, to see me as powerful.”
His face went dark as he explained his plight. “But that is not the case at all.”
Akaza remained silent, his expression now unreadable, but this allowed Michikatsu to continue. Ignoring whatever thoughts Akaza had now accumulated over him.
“You see, there are numerous times that I had allowed them to kill me,” Michikatsu rubbed his wounded head, wincing as he recalled particular moments with displeasure and contempt. “I’m not as strong as everyone thought to be since I should’ve been dead by now. I was bound to die by the hands of those pillars, yet here I am, alive…”
“What do you mean by this? What’s your point?” Akaza’s tone is harsh and lacks patience, straight to the point as he usually does, and a look of immense disbelief is written on his face. Michikatsu understands if Akaza sees a different perspective of him now since at the end of the day, it is the truth to which all should know no matter what.
“I should’ve been dead by now at their hands,” Michikatsu emphasizes. “Yet, before they could do just that, they stopped themselves when they realize it is me whom they were fighting against.”
Akaza is speechless, but his mouth opened, trying to say something but couldn’t come up with something.
“Tell me, Akaza, do you know who the king is?”
The sudden change of topic had the other man puzzled. He blinks rapidly, showing that he hasn’t recovered from the information that changed his viewpoint, but cleared his throat when he realized Michikatsu is waiting for him to reply.
“Obviously. It’s Yoriichi Tsugikuni.”
“Do you know what he looks like?”
Akaza shakes his head. “No, that remains a mystery today. I heard that he refused to be painted for the world to see. There are no pictures of him either, but there are quite a few scriptures written about what he looks like, though it is unreliable.”
Michikatsu huffs in amusement. “Indeed, those texts are not to be trusted. However, since you are a man who likes to keep to himself, then let me tell you a secret only Lord Muzan and I know.”
The man rose his brow in surprise at the unexpected offering, then nodded as if he is willing to keep this a secret as well. In all honesty, Akaza couldn’t deny it. Loyal and understanding as he is, temptation sometimes cannot be ignored. He does want to know some exclusive information that was kept out from the others. Even more so coming from the person who holds the second-highest position; this man knows many things the rest knows not. Mentioning the fact that Lord Muzan is also involved, then this information must be too valuable.
So, Akaza waits with curiosity.
“The Kingdom of the Hinokami is indeed strong because it is led by a powerful king. Yoriichi Tsugikuni is a difficult man to kill and even more so difficult to fight on a battlefield, according to multiple sources. He is a king whom we have yet to face in battle,” Michikatsu’s voice is low, albeit suspenseful. Purposefully making Akaza listen carefully as if he needs to know how grave the king can be. “Many of our men had died because of him, but who could blame them? They didn’t know what he looked like.”
Akaza frowned.
“He is a tall man with maroon eyes, bears long hair just like mine, and a blade that glows red.” Michikatsu looked Akaza in the eyes, searching for something. “You are a strong man, Akaza, and we need you here the most. So if you happen to face his presence and wish to get out of any battle alive, know that he and I look too much alike.”
Akaza leaned back in confusion and shock. “What?”
“Don’t mistake him for me. Many of our men had fallen victim to that.”
“And why is that?”
Michikatsu paused. His eyes are clouded and his expression is deadly, as if he disliked telling this at all.
Akaza’s blood ran cold the moment he heard the next following declaration.
“I was once a prince.” He curled his fist tight as anger flared within him once more at the image of the king flashing in his mind, “And he was once my brother.”
~~~
Akaza left the room feeling disturbed and knowledgeable at the same time.
The news caused him to change his perspective about the other man, yet he isn’t sure what to feel about it.
‘It was indeed best to keep it hidden from others,’ Akaza thought meaningfully. Since this was no laughing matter initially, he ought to take this quite seriously even when he is shocked.
To Akaza, he sees Kokushibo as a reserved man who held deep loyalty to their group. Although he never sees him in battle, he knows he is a strong one judging by his physique and intelligence in battle strategies. The amount of training Kokushibo had endured is beyond praising since in Akaza’s eyes, Kokushibo exceeds his limits and is close to its peak, much to Akaza’s pleasure.
But the information had brought a new meaning. A drastic change that he is not entirely sure if it is welcomed.
‘No wonder why he’s still alive to this day… King Yoriichi must be the reason behind this. He must’ve ordered the soldiers and the pillars not to kill him when he’s in their sight.’
This brought Akaza a sense of anger. He could understand now why Kokushibo is angry over this.
This only prevents Kokushibo from growing into a powerful man. Akaza could see with his own naked eyes that Kokushibo is almost at the peak of his strength. The pillars and the soldiers are not taking their confrontations too seriously as they are forced to go easy against Kokushibo in battle. Out of complete compliance with their king…
Since Kokushibo was once a prince.
If the soldiers are simply going easy on him to prevent themselves from killing him, this ultimately hinders Kokushibo’s progress in real battle experience and becoming strong as he wants to be.
‘Kokushibo must’ve hated that.’
But if they are indeed taking the fight too lightly, then how strong is Kokushibo exactly?
‘Is he less strong than we all thought? Was he still as strong like everyone else sees him to be?’ Akaza mused as he walked away in deep thought. ‘Ah, maybe a spar can determine his real strength.’
Akaza stopped his musings and proceeded to march on to prepare for another battle that would take his complete attention.
~~~
Michikatsu enters the room where the meeting is held. All his injuries are now healed after a week of staying in bed. Inside, he found all the leaders of the army gathered together, circling the large table. The meeting had already commenced a short while ago, so the moment he entered, all eyes are on him. Lord Muzan is at the front, looking at him directly with satisfaction.
“Good for you to join us, Kokushibo.”
Due to the nature of this group, no one knows the real name of every single individual present for security purposes. Lord Muzan is an exception. And because of Michikatsu’s identity as the runaway prince, his alias name is what kept him hidden for who he truly is. However, Akaza held his eye knowingly as he nodded at him in greetings.
“Indeed, Lord Muzan.” Michikatsu lowered his head in respect. “Forgive me for my tardiness. The wounds they inflicted on me took too long to heal.”
Muzan waved him away dismissively, his attention now focused on the table itself where a large scroll of the map is spread. “You needed to heal to regain your strength back. Now with your presence here, we would need your aid to plan our next course of action. Another battle will occur in a few days.”
“I see… Then, I shall do my utmost best to give you my intelligence of the matter.”
Muzan glanced up with intelligent and wicked eyes. “Good.”
Michikatsu is an important asset for them all. Since he was a prince who had knowledge about the kingdom and its strength, he was very useful in terms of planning and coming up with counterattacks.
Nevertheless, his presence here is a sign that he wishes his older brother, the strong and mighty king… to die at their hands with no mercy.
~~~
Michikatsu was ten years old when he realizes that he had enough.
Yoriichi was dragging him to a place all too familiar for him. This led Michikatsu to resist, attempting to dislodge the tight grip on his arm as he struggled to be free. All the while, fighting the urge to cry in terror.
“Brother, why must you do this to me?”
Yoriichi did not bother to look at him, intent on carrying the task as he should. “It’s for your own good. You must know that.”
Even though Yoriichi is just a mere thirteen years of age, his hold on Michikatsu’s arm is strong, similar to a chain holding down a prisoner. Michikatsu, indeed, felt just that.
“That’s not enough for a good reason!” Michikatsu cried out, “Tell me, please! Tell me why you had to confine me from the outside. I can’t rest without knowing the answer.” His feet dug into the rough surface. The friction to slow them down did not disturb Yoriichi whatsoever, opting to walk ahead with a single goal in mind.
Yoriichi’s reply elicited a shudder in Michikatsu’s breath. “Because you are too vulnerable to all dangers of the world outside, Michikatsu. Have you not realized it?”
Michikatsu grunted in pain when Yoriichi’s grip became too tight. He scratched his brother’s hand in an attempt to lighten it. “Is it because I’m weak? Is it because I don’t have powers? Because I’m not born with magical abilities like you and everyone else do?” His voice is weak when he said that.
The eldest brother sighed, causing Michikatsu’s heart to drop. “Michikatsu, this is not––”
“Yes, it does!” Michikatsu snarled, tears slowly making their way out. “I knew it. I’m too weak, aren’t I? Since I’m not gifted as you all do! That’s why you kept me here…” His terrified eyes roam around the dark corridor of the area. “You want to lock me away from everything!”
“You are too young.” Yoriichi’s voice is filled with solemnity as if he was lamenting that this had to happen despite his actions. “You’re the only one left. My family. My brother. I can’t risk losing you knowing how dangerous it is outside.”
Michikatsu grabs Yoriichi’s arm, tugging in a way to plead for this to end. “Is that why you’d isolate me here? I’m your brother, you can’t treat me like this. You know I could train myself to get stronger if you’re so afraid. I could get strong! Just watch! I c-could defend myself if you could just teach me––”
“I can’t.” They halted just a few meters away from a particular, dreaded room. Yoriichi shakes his head, lowering it to look his younger brother in the eye properly. His maroon eyes glowed fiercely in the dark area. “I won’t hurt you and I can’t allow you to suffer in pain of arduous training, too. You are far too innocent. Too pure.” He reached out his other arm and cupped Michikatsu’s cheek with tenderness. “I must shelter you where danger will not reach you. You must understand.”
This time, Michikatsu couldn’t stop the tears from flowing down to his cheeks which led Yoriichi to wipe them away. He looked at his older brother with pleading eyes. “No, I don’t.” He let out an agonizing sob when they continued marching on, relentlessly. “Please brother, don’t leave me here.”
They finally stopped in a familiar room that Michikatsu loathed the most.
The room is empty, only containing a bed, a small toilet room, and a dressing room. The atmosphere felt like a prison. But in Michikatsu’s case, it is indeed a prison as he is being held deep in the dungeons where no window or light to enter. Not even a single staff member was nearby.
It is the farthest state of the castle, an isolated building, and only Yoriichi along with a few trusted officials can have access to this part of the area.
“I’m sorry, Michikatsu.” He released Michikatsu once they are inside the room. Yoriichi wraps his arms around his younger brother’s smaller frame, hugging him as if it was the last. He leaned down to press a small kiss on the forehead and murmured. “Here, you will be safe. Traitors still roam around the castle, and I have to eliminate them before they could reach us–– before they could get you. And until they are gone, you can return to your room again. Alright?”
Michikatsu shakes his head fervently, and immediately, panic settles in. “No, no, no, please. It’s scary down here. Don’t leave me here.” He wrapped his arms around Yoriichi’s waist, not wanting to be left alone in the dark.
Yoriichi, with his taller and stronger self, untangled himself and pushed Michikatsu slightly. In a blink of an eye, he disappeared, leaving Michikatsu bewildered. But by the time when Michikatsu realizes that Yoriichi was using his enhanced speed to leave the room, the steel doors creaked closed and Michikatsu cried out in desperation, running to it and banging it with ferocious strength.
“No! Brother, let me out! Please!”
Yoriichi’s muffled voice on the other side sounded gentle and regretful, but it was stern and sweet. Michikatsu cried pathetically as he listens. “I can’t. You’re safe here, I promise. Just bear it for a while. Big brother will surely come to get you once trouble is gone.”
“Please,” Michikatsu whimpered, slumping and then slowly dropping to the ground. “I’m scared. Don’t leave. Don’t leave!”
There was a moment of silence. “I am sorry, Michikatsu.”
Michikatsu felt his brother leave as he cried his heart out.
He blinked twice when a daring hand waved in front of him, pestering him from his trance. Michikatsu glanced beside him to see Douma who was wearing a smile too wide, which Michikatsu concludingly dislikes.
“Yoohoo~ Sir Kokushibo? Are you awake?”
‘How annoying.’
Michikatsu pushed Douma’s hand away quite harshly, utterly annoyed by the constant motion right in front of his face. “What do you want.” He said, blandly.
Douma nursed his hand delicately, like the slap from his hand was wounding. “Why, I was just calling you, sir! You spaced out for a long time.” The man proceeds to lean in without care of personal boundaries, much to Michikatsu’s dismay. There was a knowing look on his face, too, with his colorful eyes glinting with unknown implications. “You must have been thinking of a particular memory. The happiest one, perhaps?”
This earned Douma a menacing glare and an ominous aura permeating the air. “Out of the way, Douma. I have no business with you.”
Fortunately, Douma backed away with no hesitation. Hands up in the air in surrender.
“Woah, easy there, big man! I was just ordered by Lord Muzan, you know.”
The informal tone and audacity of such an address caused Michikatsu to curl his hand in indignation, gritting his teeth to prevent strangling this strange man right there and then. He always disliked Douma for his lack of self-control. Douma is an annoyance, but regardless, he proved himself useful in multiple missions. So, with much reluctance and utilizing years of practice, Michikatsu controlled his anger, maintaining a reserved composure and firm tone.
“At this time of the night?”
Douma simply shrugged. “It does sound important, don’t you think?” He lifted a finger to his chin, feigning a pensive look. “For you to get called at this hour… Something scary must have happened!”
Michikatsu ignored the childish display coming from the man. “Go back to your post.”
Douma straightened and raises his arm in a vigorous salute from the direct order. “Of course, sir!”
As the strange man left the room, Michikatsu headed straight to Lord Muzan’s office, who is sure to be waiting for his arrival. As he finally made his destination, Michikatsu knocked on the door twice, waiting for a voice to signal him in. When a voice called out after, Michikatsu opened the door… only to be greeted by his leader looking stressed and utterly disturbed.
‘This does not bode well.’ Michikatsu mused as he shut the door behind him.
“My Lord, I heard that you require my presence,” Michikatsu announced, snapping Muzan from his deep thoughts.
“Indeed,” Muzan affirmed. He looks impeccable despite the stress taking a toll on him. “I have received intel from our spy, Nakime, regarding a disturbance of action. The king is planning to launch an attack at one of our bases tomorrow, early in the morning.”
Stunned, Michikatsu could only take the information unprepared. ‘In the morning?’ He narrowed his eyes at this. “Strange… For the past few years, we had observed that they only appeared sometime between afternoon to night. But to think that they decided to battle in the morning, things would be harder to predict now.”
“All of our previous battles occurred when the night befalls on us, but dawn is when it’s troublesome.” Muzan provided with a rub on his temple, a scowl written on his face. “Nakime is a reliable source of information. She could never get wrong about this.”
Michikatsu had a bad feeling about this already.
“It’s suspicious. The soldiers of the kingdom utilize their time in the morning to either rest or train. My Lord, if I may ask, what is their aim?”
Muzan shakes his head, not an answer he could produce as it appears that he, too, is confused. “That, I do not know.” Then, he let out a long exhale as if to remove the lingering feeling of annoyance. “But no matter. I deem it an important issue to address, so I believe that we should take action this instant. The base they decided to invade holds importance after all, and this case must not be ignored.”
“Then, what is the base that we need to protect?”
“At Mount Natagumo. Our forest will be seized unless we send forces to protect it. Although the location has been detected and is now unsafe, we only need to reach there in time and take all what valuable weapons we have left there. We also need to evacuate the remaining group that was stationed on guard.”
“Are they not aware that our opponents will march there?”
“They are,” Muzan said, his tone grave and serious. “However, I had to order them on standby so that they could pack all the things that needed to be brought here. It will save us time. Moreover, I already ordered our team of specialized fighters who could fair well at night to advance there straight away to assist in packing up things as well. Unfortunately, I only had to send a few of our members since Nakime had informed me that our opponents also arranged a group of soldiers to serve as surveillance on our road as if they are expecting that we might know of their plans. They are smart. I cannot risk Nakime’s identity as our spy.”
“So the forest is heavily guarded, it seems.” Michikatsu frowned at the thought. The plan was thoroughly thought of and his mind immediately thought of Kagaya Ubuyashiki as the mastermind behind this all. “Even if some of our men will move tonight, there are already too many watchful eyes from our opponents who might be expecting us.”
“Yes, which is why I cannot risk all my best fighters to depart immediately. It is too dangerous. Our men are exhausted as it is from the battle earlier ago.” Then, Muzan’s cold and unflinching eyes focused on Michikatsu. “Which is why I called you, Kokushibo.”
Michikatsu straightened despite his calm behavior earlier ago, fully prepared now for whatever mission will be handed to him.
“It could be a trap, but regardless, our base at that forest is important. Your mission is to see the success of the evacuation of our men from that location as well as ensure that all of the valuable items we left are secured. You must guarantee that everyone and everything will reach here safely without our opponents’ eyes on you.” Muzan leaned back, chin raised, and his voice full of command. “You are swift. You could end things quickly once your presence is there. And if things went south, do not hesitate to retreat.”
Michikatsu bent on one knee and lowered his head in compliance. “Yes, sir.” His fate is now sealed with this mission.
“Further instruction will be given to you tomorrow, early in the morning. Be back in a few hours and by then, prepare to depart. For now, take as much rest as you can…” Muzan declared as he looked down at his papers once again. “I have a feeling you would need it the most.”
Michikatsu knows that this mission would be difficult already. He couldn’t predict how things will be unlike he usually does on previous missions. This, of course, does not give a good sign.
“Yes, sir.”
Whenever Kagaya Ubuyashiki is involved, grand things happen in the worst-case scenario possible.
It is up to Michikatsu, as the Upper Moon One, to be ready to face the challenges presented.
~~~
Once Michikatsu turned four, he is expected to participate in a protocol required for children of his age. Many children, such as himself, are to be tested within the castle grounds and are individually evaluated by the pillars including the second-in-command, Kagaya Ubuyashiki, to watch over them and guide them as the children are to put into test.
Despite Michikatsu being a prince, he is to be treated as any other young kid for his trial.
This said trial serves as an examination of the strength of the magical abilities present in an individual.
Children whose parents have magic or have developed innate power are needed to attend whenever they reach a decent age. The protocol is a must. This is to be done in order to learn how to limit their capabilities and protect themselves or their family. This, of course, led to the addition of soldiers.
People who possess great skill and control of their power can join the military ranks and serve the kingdom. However, before they could do all that, they must have one requirement for them to join:
Magic.
Thus, the execution of this protocol. Children have to undergo this trial or be tested if they possess a strong or weak magical ability. Those with weaker power are not necessary to join the soldiers. However, those with abilities that exceed far more than any average ability user can be a part of the military.
Once they joined the armed forces of the kingdom, then they are to be taught the final yet exclusive lesson reserved for the soldiers, the trusted employees within the castle, the higher rank officials, and the royal family to know…
Breathing Techniques.
This is another level of test that soldiers now has to face. Breathing Techniques are used and performed to control and limit the use of magic. It is to tame the magical core that people are born with. Those who have weaker power within themselves are not to be taught such ways because their power can be easily controlled. But those who are capable, stronger, and are currently part of the military requires to learn how to use breathing techniques such that they can better control themselves with more finesse and skill or expertise in the matter.
Those who do not use breathing techniques, however, are also quite common.
They are a group of individuals who are dangerous, untrustworthy, difficult to live through, and uncontrolled. Since their power is untamed, and misguided, meaning their magical ability is capable of complete destruction within their surroundings since it is untamed.
Those people who do not learn breathing techniques are known to be wild and vicious if they use their power with their will.
Though their magic is raw and untamed, it is still powerful if the users know how to wield it or were trained by their own creative minds…
The rebellion, Demons of the Night, is known for those kinds of people.
Michikatsu desired the thought of having his magic controlled. The thought of having a magical ability thrumming in his blood is interesting, which is why he is now under trial with a pillar who is guiding him to use it. A day ago, he was so excited for his magic to be tested because he kept on trying it by himself even though he doesn’t know how to exert it physically.
He felt jealous when his older brother could do so much better than him.
He heard that when Yoriichi was only three years old, he opened his palm and unlocked his magic for the first time. He was the youngest to ever awaken his magical ability in history… And is now the most powerful magical ability user at the age of seven when he only attempted to perform Breathing Techniques that were supposedly only taught for adults.
His breathing techniques were exquisite. Unique and powerful alike. No one could match him. Not even the pillars today.
This caused Michikatsu to grow eager to have the magic physically existing already. His eyes practically glowed at the sight of his brother performing the techniques no children and teenagers could do.
So when Michikatsu had his turn and was undergoing his trial at this very moment, exerting his energy and pushing all sorts of forces into his body, mind, and soul… he finds himself unable to release his power or awaken the magical ability that he was supposed to be born with.
Michikatsu, who was born with parents who are magically strong and a brother who possesses the greatest power of all, could not produce anything from his palms or anywhere at all no matter what he tried.
It was all very…
… disappointing to him.
“I can’t…” Michikatsu grunted even as he stood there with his aching and sore arms raised high, for hours on end, for his power to come out. “Why can’t I do it?”
Shinjurō Rengoku was kneeling right next to him, supporting Michikatsu’s arms when he notices that the boy was shaking abnormally. “Yes, you can, my prince. All you need to do is focus. Remember the stance I taught you.”
“I’m trying! I’m trying but my magic won’t appear!”
The frustration is visible on the boy’s face and Rengoku had to warn him of his excessive movements. “Do not exert yourself too much. Do not allow your frustration to cloud your mind. Simply focus, my prince. Focus, then your magic will come.”
Michikatsu took a moment to breathe, then started doing it again. He recalls his brother’s elegant movements and the way he expertly maneuvered the sword, he remembers the way Sir Rengoku had taught him earlier ago, and he skimmed within his mind the book he had previously read before and memorized in detail how his power can awaken.
So, with confidence, Michikatsu scowled and concentrated. Removing every distracting thought, and every feeling in his body, and silencing all the bad habits he had come to develop.
Soon, he started to sweat.
“That’s it. You have done your breathing very well, my prince, as expected.” Shinjurō commended. “Your focus is exquisite. Your stance is impeccable. Just a little bit of push, then you can release your magic at any moment–– Prince Michikatsu!”
Shinjurō notices the blood dripping down the boy’s nose. Michikatsu did not feel it. The flame pillar catches Michikatsu when the boy’s vision started to darken as he fell.
~~~
Michikatsu was only mildly conscious.
He couldn’t open his eyes the way he wanted to. He wanted to wake up.
Someone was talking. He just couldn’t figure out what was happening. All he could hear are muffled voices. It is as if Michikatsu couldn’t decipher it. It was like he was drowning. The water seemed to block his ears, preventing him to hear better.
It was all too muffled.
Someone… is next to him.
And it felt warm.
“Flame Pillar, what’s happening to my younger brother?”
“This can’t be good, Prince Yoriichi. We must send him to the medic, quickly!”
Michikatsu couldn’t hold the thread of consciousness anymore as he slipped back into the darkness, feeling exhausted and defeated.
~~~
“I am very sorry to announce this news, but Prince Michikatsu does not bear the energy of magic within him. His core is lacking all the force that was supposed to awaken his magical ability.” There was a pause. “I’m afraid… Prince Michikatsu truly does not have any magic. It is non-existent…”
Someone was crying and breathing loudly. Michikatsu is awake, but couldn’t manage to open his eyes to see who it was, but the voices just beside him signify that it was his parents who were there to take in the news.
“Is there anything we could do for him to awaken his abilities?”
“None,” Michikatsu could only guess that this was his doctor talking. “We have observed his state for a while, and we couldn’t do anything about it ourselves. I apologize, your majesty.”
While his parents and a group of doctors were talking about the symptoms and the cause of such illness, Michikatsu could feel something warm next to him, hovering closely. Even when his eyes are shut, his body thoroughly exhausted which rendered him immobile, he could just feel a bright presence standing close to him.
Yoriichi stood at the side of the bed with wide eyes and an unreadable expression written on his face. If Michikatsu had his eyes open, he would’ve seen a mixture of feelings shown in Yoriichi’s maroon eyes rather than his expressionless face.
It would’ve terrified Michikatsu if he could look his older brother in the eye, face to face.
Yoriichi reaches out and gently covered Michikatsu’s smaller hand, holding it firmly.
Michikatsu tested his voice, whispering slowly and surely, with immense fear and shaking breath. “Brother…” He gulped a thick dry lump stuck in his throat, fighting the urge to cry right in front of Yoriichi. “Am I… defective?”
Yoriichi did not respond. Instead, the boy leaned close until his feet were off the ground, settling himself into the bed, and push his face into the space of Michikatsu’s neck, nuzzling closer. Yoriichi hugged his little brother as he pressed himself tightly, breathing slowly.
The older boy did not bother to answer Michikatsu’s question as he said. “Poor Michikatsu… I’m sorry this happened to you.” His tone almost implied that he was grieving. He sounded sad and upset. “I can’t believe you are so vulnerable. You are… open to attacks now. You are prone to… danger.”
Michikatsu finds himself feeling bitter when Yoriichi said that.
“Since you have no power now, you are unable to defend yourself anymore…”
Michikatsu felt his heart drop.
“But don’t worry, younger brother. I’ll protect you… I will not allow any harm to reach you.”
Feeling hopeless and utterly defeated, Michikatsu allowed a tear to slip from his closed eyes.
Even though his older brother did not say it, he could hear what Yoriichi was implying. And for Michikatsu, it hurt more than ever. Yoriichi’s message was clear… ‘You’re too weak and you can’t survive, but as long as I’m here, you are safe.’
Michikatsu’s dreams to become strong were crushed the instant he felt his older brother smile on his neck.